Monday, December 1, 2014

Since B started school in the late summer, I have been really surprised by how much he is learning, and by how much he is interested in continuing to learn at home. One of the big things that his teachers are working on with his class is letter and sound recognition, which B already had a great handle on before he went to school. This has really helped him take an interest in reading on his own, because he is able to put the sounds of the letters together to form words. We read together every day, and more and more, B is asking me to let him say the words!

I definitely feel proud, but know there's no point in stopping there or slowing down. Christmas break will soon be here, and then our family will take a vacation, and B will miss a few days of school. I hate for him to miss school, but I know that if we work on reading and writing while we're away, B won't fall behind.

I was really excited to find Junior Learning, which offers educational toys, products and resources for children. Junior Learning is based out of Huntington, California, and area which is well known for outstanding toy and media development. Junior Learning is a family owned and operated business, founded by Duncan Milne and Anna Kirschberg, to establish synergies across the fields of toy design and educational publishing.

Our set arrived, and B couldn't wait to take it out of the box to see what it might be!

'This looks really cool, mommy! Let's open it!'

The Junior Learning Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters Set comes in a colorful box, with built in magnetic easel!

I knew that the Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set would be a great choice for B, since he's learning how to read. Reading and spelling go hand in hand, and truthfully, I expect my son to be a good speller, like his daddy and me. I always loved spelling tests in school- I know, I was a major dork, but it served me well later on! Since B can already recognize letters and sounds, I wanted a fun way for us to be able to form words together. Sure, I could plop him down in front of a screen, but I think we rely a bit too much on technology to teach our kids. I want one on one time with my son, without a screen, so I can make sure he's learning the good old fashioned way, in addition to how he learns through interactive games, programs, etc.

The Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set is super fun, colorful and portable!

Check out all of these magnetic foam letters- 84 in all!

The set also includes plenty of vowels, and a progression chart to aid parents or teachers.

The Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set comes enclosed in a take along box. The box contains a magnetic board, which pops up to an easel. Theer are 84 magnetic foam letters, suited for ages 3+, though the ages recommended for this product are ages 5-7. B is four, so he's just shy of this age range. Many of the magnetic letters are connected already, so that we can build onto words, or easily make words.

B, trying out the Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set.

The foam letters are super lightweight, and cling to the board with ease.

We focused on making holiday words. B chose letters to start words with, and we added to them, to make complete words.

With such a big pile of letters, we can make lots of words!

I was sort of surprised at how quickly B took to this fun learning set. He genuinely wanted to sit down and go over letter sounds with me, and build words together. I love that my son loves learning, and I definitely want to encourage that, which is why it's so wonderful to have a set like this at home. The Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set allows me to piggyback on what he's learning at school, and to help him go even further, so that he's actually a bit ahead.

The Rainbow Phonics Learning Set can be neatly put away and stored, and it takes up little room. It can sit on top of a lap in the car, so if you plan on traveling this holiday season, it's the perfect learning product to bring along for the ride!

Features of the Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters Set

Set of 84 magnetic foam letters with unique in-built magnetic board. Children build new words on the magnetic board as they discover new letter patterns. Phonics progression teaching guide is included to introduce new letters week by week. Letters are color-coded and include vowels, consonants, digraphs, vowel digraphs, changeable vowel sounds, r-controlled and split digraphs. Letters can also be used with Rainbow Phonics Word Farm and Word City Learning Landscape boards. Ages 5-7, Grades K-2. $22.99

I can't wait to see how the Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set helps B on his learning to read journey. I plan to add the Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Numbers set to our learning tools, as well, because I'll need help teaching him math at home! Any of the above featured items from Junior Learning would make fun, educational gifts for your children, or for a classroom/teacher!

Want It? Buy It!

Head on over to Junior Learning to learn more about their company and founders, and award winning products! You can shop their entire collection of educational products by category, age range, etc. Receive free shipping when you spend $50.00 or more! Sign up for the Junior Learning newsletter to stay up to date on the latest and greatest in educational toys and tools! Connect with Junior Learning on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP reader will win their very own Rainbow Phonics Magnetic Letters set from Junior Learning! This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Just use the handy RC giveaway entry form below to enter for your chance to win!

Special thanks to our friends at Junior Learning for allowing us to experience the fun of phonics, and for offering this fun giveaway for our readers!